2 March 2026- The accused, Tshepang Mogapi was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for raping a girl (16). Mogapi also received a concurrent two-year sentence for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court further ordered that Mogapi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Gunya said the offence took place on 18 December 2022, in Mokgola village.
“The victim was walking alone in the early hours when Mogapi approached from behind, grabbed her, and strangled her. Her screams alerted a nearby resident, who attempted to intervene but was overpowered and threatened with a knife, forcing him to seek help.
“By the time assistance returned, both Mogapi and the victim had left the scene. Investigations showed that Mogapi dragged her to his home, where he raped her. Afterwards, he walked her partway home, but assaulted her again, strangling and slapping her, before they parted ways,” he said.
Gunya further said the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Mogapi’s arrest. He added that Mogapi was released on bail pending trial.
“Mogapi pleaded not guilty, but the court convicted him based on strong prosecution evidence. The state prosecutor, Kagiso Modibedi argued in aggravation that rape is a serious and prevalent crime, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
“In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged the offence’s severe impact on the victim’s dignity and the judiciary’s duty to protect vulnerable individuals. However, it deviated from life imprisonment due to mitigating factors,” said Gunya.
He said Mogapi’s youth at the time of the offence, his status as a first-time offender, and the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions for North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended Modibedi and all involved role-players for ensuring justice was served for the victim.
Picture: A firearm seized during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 March 2026 – Unannounced Operation Shanela 2 has continued with stop-and-search actions, high-density operations and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any form of crime that threatens the safety and stability of communities. The operation conducted on 27 February 2026, in Letlhabile, involved the collaboration between the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, North West Crime Intelligence Overt Operations, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) and Corporate Communications and Liaison.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said multi- disciplinary operation focused on high-visibility patrols, addressing violent crime related to gangsterism, drug- and firearm-related offences, disrupting criminal activities, executing arrests of wanted suspects, and conducting compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers to enforce the authority of the state amid prevailing levels of criminality in the area. Bobelo said eight suspects were arrested for various offences.
“Seized items included a revolver, alcoholic beverages and several bags containing cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. Among those arrested was a man (35) charged with possession of a firearm without a license. This includes a man (22) and woman (49) charged with possession of suspected illegal substances.
“A woman (19) and a man (37) were charged with contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (18), a woman (23) and a man (30), were charged for selling liquor without a license. These three suspects were released with a warning to appear in court,” he said.
Bobele further said all suspects are expected to make their first court appearances before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 2 March 2026.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.
2 March 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis was full of praise of her young brigade, despite falling 2-1 to Namibia in the final of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday. Ellis said she also had an eye on the future while participating in the regional tournament.
“I am very proud of the team, they were brave, they showed a lot of courage, they were stretched to the limits and we have a bigger core group now because of this. We have a couple of 16/17/18-year-olds in the team, not the experience they would have wanted but I think that the medal will remind them to never get the same feeling.
“This was a worthwhile exercise, and we can now safely say there is a great future for South African women’s football. On a hot Polokwane afternoon, Banyana Banyana had made three changes to the team that defeated Zimbabwe in the semifinals, with Sibongakonke Mzobe, Bongiwe Thusi and Bonolo Mokoma getting the nod ahead of Sibulele Holweni, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado and Isabella Ludwig,” she said.
Ellis further said the move seemed to pay dividends as Mokoma hit the crossbar with a thunderous shot early in the game before Nthabiseng Majiya put the home side ahead in the 38th minute, her second of the tournament. She added that the Brave Warriors returned rejuvenated from the break and restored parity shortly thereafter in the 54th minute through substitute Muhinatjo Hanavi with a long-range shot.
“Neither side was able to get a goal with the match going into extra time. It was Namibia who stunned the hosts in the first half of extra-time with a goal that gave them the lead for the first time in the game, and they held on for a win, lifting their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship trophy.
“Goals win you matches, and I think throughout the game even before extra-time we had enough chances to make sure that we won the game. I thought we conceded poorly, but as I said this is a young group. We played five games, obviously they (Namibia) looked a bit fresher towards the end of the game, they played four games,” said Ellis.
She said winning a gold medal would have been fantastic, but they fell short. Ellis said they must also congratulate Namibia, they were resolute, they defended really well.
“South Africa had six different scorers in the tournament with Majiya grabbing two, while Mokoma, Moodaly-Salgado, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Thorisho Mphelo and Sibulele Holweni scored one each. Zambia clinched bronze when they defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in the third and fourth place play-off,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi
By VIOLA MOTSUMI
2 March 2026- The recent article authored by a certain Mr China Dodovu, a discredited and embittered political opportunist deserves no credibility. It is a desperate attempt by a failed figure to remain relevant in the political discourse of our movement and society. The piece is not grounded in fact, principle, or genuine concern for the African National Congress (ANC) or its renewal, but rather in personal bitterness, jealousy, and a long-standing record of failure and manipulation.
Dodovu’s history speaks louder than his words. He is a casino activist and an armchair revolutionary, known more for gossip and self-promotion than for any tangible contribution to the renewal of the movement. His repeated failures to secure leadership positions within the ANC are not the result of conspiracies, but of his own lack of integrity, discipline, and vision.
This is a bitter and aggrieved individual, rejected by the very movement he now seeks to undermine. Having lost every court case he and his associates initiated against the legitimate ANC PEC, he has become a symbol of political irrelevance, a man who refuses to be led, yet demands to lead.
When entrusted with leadership responsibilities, this individual failed to unite or advance the ANC. His tenure as Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the ANC and a mayor of Matlosana was marred by political instability, legal conflicts and administrative chaos, leaving behind a legacy of divisions and incompetence.
Instead of introspection, he has chosen to lash out at the new generation of leaders who are actually rebuilding and modernizing the ANC. His association with the formation of forum for service delivery an organisation opposed to the ANC further exposes his hypocrisy.
Having abandoned the ANC’s principles, he now positions himself as a self-appointed moral authority in its direction. This is not ideology, it is opportunism of the worst kind.
This person has become the biggest wedge driver in contemporary ANC politics. He thrives on lies, gossip, and corridor talk, attempting to sow division where unity is needed most.
His politics are not about service, unity, renewal or transformation they are about personal relevance and ego. He embodies the mentality of either me or nobody, a destructive mindset that has no place in a democratic movement.
His attacks on my person are motivated not by principle, but by jealousy toward the younger, more capable generation now leading the organization forward. I will not be distracted by the noise of failed politicians seeking attention.
The movement remains focused on renewal, unity, and service to the people of South Africa. The public can see through the bitterness and self-interest of those who thrive on division.
History has already judged this individual a palooka of ANC politics, trapped in the past, consumed by resentment, and irrelevant to the future. The ANC’s new generation will continue to lead with integrity, discipline, and a commitment to the collective good, not the personal ambitions of the discredited few.
This malicious article is nothing more than the last gasp of a failed political career. I will not dignify such propaganda with prolonged engagement.
Our focus remains on building, uniting, and serving while others remain stuck in their own bitterness and failure. In conclusion, while the author’s record of failure and duplicity is well known, I will not descend into the gutter of personal exposure or vindictiveness.
For the sake of the ANC’s integrity and unity the details surrounding his resignation as mayor, including the serious issues of other malfeasance and misconduct that accompanied it will, for now, remain undisclosed. However, should circumstances so permit and if the ongoing campaign of misinformation and character assassination continues, the full facts will be placed before the public.
I will always defend myself with truth and principle, and when the time comes, the record will speak for itself clearly, factually, and decisively. I was emotionally abused, threatened, showered with insults, silenced, bullied and humiliated many times, not this time I refuse to be buried alive.
I am responding in my personal capacity as I am also a human being with feelings. As I pause.
(Note: Viola Motsumi is ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, but wrote this in her personal capacity. The content of the letter remains her views. The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with content of the letter)
Picture: Former Matlosana Local Municipality mayor, China Dodovu
By China Dodovu
2 March 2026- I analogies that the recording widely circulating ostensibly featuring Viola Motsumi, the MEC of Education (also ANC Provincial Deputy Secretary) in North West and the former ANC Youth League President, Collin Maine is “A Hand of God” and symbolises the ANC ancestors who are tirelessly working to free our movement from the grip of the evil agendas characterising it.
Lo and behold, the recording is clear-cut, tangible material evidence to vindicate my long-standing claims that the counter revolutionary forces have infiltrated the ANC in the North West and are hellbent to bury it alive in their uncontrollable appetite for self-enrichment to feed their greed and to sustain their patronage networks.
Thinking deep about the recording makes me very angry as I see it as an epitome, a manifestation and a tip of an iceberg of what the ANC has become. It is not the only scandal that we have seen lately but it’s just an example of what is so glaring in our faces, representing how our leaders continue to spit in the face of the ANC’s renewal program – no wonder Unity in the ANC can’t get off the ground.
Viola Motsumi’s utterances signify the worst cunning ANC leader who is resolute in her conviction to unflinchingly work against its renewal project even ready to die if the unity of ANC cadres is to happen. What we are witnessing here doesn’t only stem from her political ignorance or deficiencies but is a direct insult of what the ANC has stood for over decades.
Motsumi’s arrogance has blinded her and grown her too fat to a point where she can’t realize the enormity of her utterances as she is sucked into a vortex of factional battles rather than uniting the cadres of her movement.
In the face of the political crisis facing the ANC caused by divisions and factions, she exhibits a “don’t care attitude and arrogance of the first degree”, making a renewal project a mirage.
Unfortunately, she can say or behave as she likes because she knows there won’t be consequences. Motsumi is a product of a deeply rotten patronage system that rewards political loyalty and pays no regard to merit or competence. After all merit or competence were not the requirements for her election and they will not be the benchmarks on which to judge her actions.
She is just one part of a vast system of cronyism, degeneracy and greed that has engulfed our movement – a system that is also fraught with buying votes and rigging electoral processes.
Looking at the totality of the situation, Motsumi is a reflection of a lot that is wrong within the ANC today. With such an obvious, overwhelming political scandal of bringing disunity in the ANC, how possible we still call her our leader? How do we allow such a third grade and a reckless junkie to represent our movement in government? How do we take such a wedge driver seriously to chart a prosperous future for a united ANC?
If the ANC was a stable organisation and not tainted by foreign tendencies, Motsumi would be reprimanded, ordered to redress or even be fired for her statements which are colored with venom and perennial hatred for the organisation she leads and claims to love.
Today our movement is standing at the precipice of upheaval and crisis as a result of factions and divisions. If we are not careful, the replication and proliferation of Motsumi’s wayward behaviour to the ANC and other collegial constructs of our society will be detrimental and fatal especially to the ANC’s future electoral fortunes.
In the face of this reckless enthusiasm by Motsumi, as loyal and dedicated cadres, our determination to live and walk with the ANC’s renewal project must not falter. Our awe and wonder must not falter either, for if we don’t push on, the ANC itself will succumb and be blown into insubstantial wisps of nothingness by these instant coffee creamers like Motsumi who survive and lead through rigging and manipulation of ANC electoral processes to emerge as leaders.
Only decisive disciplinary actions can help to quickly downgrade such leaders like Motsumi to junk status so that they are obliterated from the political scenes and evaporate into oblivion. We must have confidence and belief in the renewal project and we must act – for if we don’t act, our call for unity in our movement will be a pipedream.
(Note: China Dodovu is a member of the ANC and the content of the letter remains his views. The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with content of the letter)
2 March 2026- Following violent confrontations between two apparent rival groups in Letlhabile, near Brits, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has deployed a dedicated Task Team to stabilise the area and investigate the recent incidents of gang-related violence. Naidoo said this decisive intervention resulted in the arrest of six suspects who appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 26 February 2026, on charges of murder.
He further said the arrests relate to an incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at a tavern in Maboloka. Naidoo added that it is alleged that the six suspects believed to be members of the so-called “6-4 Gang”, attacked and assaulted two men, Tshiamo Mokomane (18) and Godfrey Pitsi (31).
“The victims sustained multiple injuries and were transported to a local clinic, where they were both certified dead. The accused, Phumelelo Fortunate Mokoena (21), Mpumelelo Thapelo Masilela (22), Koketso Tumanyane (20), Amogelang Mathimba (20), Vincent Ntsanko Chabalala (20) and Keabetse Phiri (20) — were remanded in custody until 24 March 2026.
“In addition to the murder charges, Keabetse Phiri is also facing a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), arising from a separate incident reported on the same night,” he said.
Meanwhile, Naidoo emphasised that the police will not tolerate any form of gang-related violence that threatens the safety and stability of communities. He said police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to gang-related criminality in Letlhabile and surrounding areas and the deployment of the Task Team demonstrates police’s commitment to restoring calm and ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts of violence are brought to book.
“We assure the community that police visibility will be intensified through high-density operations, stop-and-search actions, and intelligence-driven interventions. Lastly, we urge community members to work with law enforcement by providing information that can assist ongoing investigations.
“Investigations into related incidents are ongoing,” said Naidoo.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated during the search/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 March 2026- The multi-disciplinary Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team is intentional in squeezing the operational space of criminals in the Frances Baard District. On 27 February 2026, the police who were conducting routine vehicle patrols in and around the central business district, received a tip-off about a red Toyota Etios parked in Belgravia with occupants allegedly suspected to be selling drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police swiftly responded and on arrival, found two men sitting inside the vehicle. Shemane said the police instructed them to disembark the vehicle.
“During the search, police found and confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R 26 600, substantial amounts of cash and the vehicle as it was used in a commission of crime. Further police operations led to the confiscation of dangerous weapons.
“The two suspects aged 41and 42 were subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs. They are expected to appear in court soon. The multi-disciplinary task team will continue with heightened visibility patrols in its quest to squeeze the operational space of criminals,” he said.
Picture: Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 March 2026- The relentless determination by members of Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team uncovered drugs after a tip-off regarding possible drugs hidden at a premises in Warrenton on 28 February 2026. The multi-disciplinary task team searched the identified house allegedly involved in drugs related activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said a search led to the apprehension of two suspects between the ages of 30 and 38, and the confiscation of mandrax tablets and tik with an estimated value of R 5600. Shemane said the pair was subsequently arrested for possession of drugs.
“In an unrelated incident in Kimberley, as the police were patrolling in Old De Beers Road and conducting stop and search operations, they noticed a man crossing the road carrying items in his pockets and acting suspicious. The police approached, stopped the suspect and asked to conduct a search on him.
“During the search, police found different types of cellphones wrapped with black plastic, as well as cash in his possession. The police discovered additional cellphones after further investigation at his residence,” he said.
Shemane further said the suspect could not account for the cellphones found in his possession. He added that the suspect (42) was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and detained.
“The suspects are expected to appear in different courts soon. The prevention of illicit mining and related crimes will continue unabated in the district,” said Shemane.
Picture: Some of money and drugs confiscated during the raids/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 March 2026- The determination of the police in the Northern Cape was apparent during the execution of Operation Shanela II across all five districts in the province, resulting in the arrest of 977 offenders. The police said executed from 23 February 2026 to 1 March 2026, the operation consisted of ongoing intelligence-led actions focused on combating crime in identified hotspots, and intensifying safety within communities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said coordinated actions were led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, and Senior officers in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Ehlers said throughout the operation, multiple premises were searched.
“This included the search of 25 464 individuals and 11 559 vehicles. Operational interventions included stop-and-search actions, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and roadblocks. Numerous individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and for being drunk in public.
“Additionally, multi-disciplinary teams participated in inter-provincial cross-border operations coordinated by the Free State province. These actions resulted in the combating of crimes across the Provincial borders in the province,” she said.
Ehlers further said detectives conducted tracing operations, leading to the arrest of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement for various offences. She added that compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
“As a result, 24 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance violations. In total, 977 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and burglary.
“Large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated during the operations. Authorities also seized copper cables, dangerous weapons, fireworks and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities,” said Ehlers.
She said the police, together with Community Policing Structures (CPS), and government departments continue to conduct awareness campaigns addressing gender-based violence, contact crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, crime efforts to ensure the safety of the youth, and other emerging crime trends.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, along with her management team, welcomed the successful outcomes and commended the collaborative efforts with other departments to protect communities and ensure safety and security throughout the province. Otola said the public is encouraged to share valuable information that can assist with the arrest of perpetrators and ensure safer communities.
“Information can be reported via the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” she said.
2 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Ramaphosa said these developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.
He further calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Ramaphosa added that Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion.
“Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation. Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that there can be no military solution to fundamentally political problems that can and should be resolved diplomatically.
“Military confrontation has never delivered sustainable peace, nor has it addressed the legitimate grievances that underlie conflict. Long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a genuine commitment to justice and coexistence,” he said.
Ramaphosa therefore, reiterates his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations. He urged the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution.
“As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said Ramaphosa.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress has shared the same sentiments. ANC said it expresses a deep concern at the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which threaten regional and global peace and security.
The ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the intensification of hostilities carries serious humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences. Bhengu said the ANC also conveys its sincere condolences to the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following reports of the passing of their Supreme Leader, extending sympathies to his family and to the Iranian nation during this period of mourning.
“Guided by South Africa’s principled foreign policy rooted in justice, peace and respect for international law, the ANC calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
“All actions must be consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only in response to an armed attack, and does not permit anticipatory self-defence based on assumption or conjecture,” she said.
Bhengu said the ANC reiterates that there can be no lasting military solution to fundamentally political conflicts. She said escalation deepens instability and suffering of innocent people, while durable peace can only be secured through inclusive dialogue, meaningful negotiations and a genuine commitment to coexistence.
“We therefore urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
“As a movement that led South Africa to freedom through dialogue and reconciliation, the ANC remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said Bhengu.
The Guardian 